The Australian Diamonds have suffered their first loss in the Quad Series, going down 57-47 to New Zealand in the final match of the series in Invercargill, New Zealand.
The loss sees the Silver Ferns take out the Quad Series title, the first time they have claimed a series victory over the Australian side since the 2012 Constellation Cup.
Right from the first whistle, the Diamonds felt the pressure from the New Zealand defence, struggling to find shooter Caitlin Bassett in the circle. The Ferns held an unassailable lead from the first break, leading 18-10, requiring the Diamonds to smarten up if they wanted to regain ground.
VIS scholarship holder and Melbourne Vixen star, Liz Watson, was introduced in the second quarter making an immediate impact with her feeds to the circle. The Diamonds managed to outscore New Zealand in the second quarter, 14-13. However, the Ferns retained a strong lead, holding 31-24 at the main break.
In the second half, the Australian side made plenty of changes in an attempt to swing the momentum in their direction, with Melbourne Vixens stars Tegan Philip put in Goal Attack and Liz Watson moved into Wing Attack at the start of the first half.
In the final quarter, Emily Mannix made her Australian Diamonds debut, becoming the 173rd player to represent Australia when she was introduced as Goal Keeper.
With seven minutes remaining, Mannix traded places with fellow Melbourne Vixen teammate Jo Weston but it wasn’t enough to put the Australians in front, with the Silver Ferns taking the win 57-47.
The Australian Diamonds now turn their attention towards the Constellation Cup series, where they will seek redemption against the Silver Ferns, which begins in Auckland on October 5.
